Thousands of Russians attend rallies calling for Alexei Navalny’s release

Allies of jailed opposition leader held as police close parts of Moscow and other cities

Tens of thousands of Russians have rallied in cities across the country in a last-ditch effort to secure the freedom of the jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

The unsanctioned demonstrations have shown the determination of Navalny's core supporters, who called for freedom for political prisoners" in tense standoffs with riot police in helmets and body armour, who had vowed to disperse any gatherings.